【Beijing, May 18, 2026】China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully on May 17, achieving a total transaction volume of RMB 2.85 billion, an increase of 12.5% compared to the same period last year, with a sell-through rate of 82.3%. Among them, the highly anticipated “Jade and Curios” special session performed exceptionally well, with a total transaction volume exceeding RMB 350 million and a sell-through rate as high as 91.7%, demonstrating the strong resilience and recovery signs of the high-end jade collection market.
The highlight of this spring auction was undoubtedly several exquisite Hetian jade pieces. Among them, a Qing Dynasty Qianlong white jade 'Dragon Teaching Son' ornament fetched the top price of RMB 88 million, far exceeding its pre-auction estimate of RMB 60 million, with a premium rate of 46.7%. The jade of this ornament is warm and delicate, with exquisite carving and auspicious symbolism, attracting fierce bidding from collectors. Another Qing Dynasty mid-period Hetian jade 'Fisherman, Woodcutter, Farmer, Scholar' mountain ornament also sold for a high price of RMB 45 million, an increase of 28.6% from its estimate of RMB 35 million. In addition, several Ming and Qing Dynasty Hetian jade artifacts also performed well, such as a Ming Dynasty white jade 'Immortal Wishing Longevity' brush pot which sold for RMB 12 million, and a Qing Dynasty spinach jade 'Double Happiness and Longevity' ruyi which sold for RMB 8.5 million, both exceeding market expectations.
Mr. Zhang Hua, head of China Guardian's Jade Department, stated in an interview: “The excellent performance of the Hetian jade section in this spring auction fully demonstrates that the market's recognition of high-quality, rare Hetian jade remains very high. Especially for exquisite pieces with clear provenance, exquisite craftsmanship, and rich cultural connotations, their value is gradually returning. Although the global economy still faces uncertainties, the nature of top art and collectibles as hard currency makes them play an increasingly important role in asset allocation.”
Professor Li Ming, a senior jade market analyst, pointed out: “Judging from the data of this Guardian spring auction, the Hetian jade market is undergoing a steady recovery after structural adjustments. Firstly, collectors' requirements for jade quality are becoming higher and higher, and the value advantages of top materials such as籽料 (seed jade) and羊脂玉 (mutton-fat jade) are becoming more prominent. Secondly, carving craftsmanship and cultural added value have become key factors in determining prices, with works by renowned masters or those with unique historical and cultural backgrounds being more sought after. Thirdly, market liquidity has improved, and some funds have begun to flow back into the high-end collection sector. It is expected that in the next few years, the Hetian jade market will show a 'two-tier' trend, meaning that the prices of exquisite pieces will continue to rise, while ordinary categories will remain stable or adjust slightly.”
This auction also reflected the growing interest of younger generations of collectors in jade art. According to statistics, the participation of buyers under 35 in this spring auction increased by 5 percentage points compared to last year. They tend to choose contemporary jade carvings with unique designs that combine practicality and aesthetics. This injects new vitality and development directions into the traditional jade market.
Overall, the successful holding of China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction, especially the outstanding performance of the Hetian jade section, has injected a shot in the arm for the entire art market. It not only showcases the unique charm of traditional Chinese jade culture but also indicates that after a period of adjustment, the high-end art market is gradually returning to rationality and prosperity.